My children are calling to see what I think they should get their Dad for Father's Day.

I think collectibles make cool gifts so I suggested they get a fish lure to add to Jerry's Fish Lure collection. The next question was which lure should we get? I realized I did not know much about Fishing Lures or which lures are collectible. I decided that I would reach out to some Fish Lure Makers to find out more about how they got started making lures. I was also curious about what kind of material and tools they use and what makes a lure collectible.

I had the good fortune recently to talk on the phone with Musky Dan. Jerry happens to have the Musky Dan Lure with the box in his collection.

I could tell that Musky Dan is a shy and private kinda guy. Gradually he warmed up during our conversation and shared a little about his love for carving fish lures, photos of his workshop and lure collection, and a place he likes to fish in Ohio where he lives.

I was wondering how did you get started making fishing lures?

I asked someone to make me a Giant Pikie Lure. I am a wood worker and when I received it I said to myself "I could do better". I started making them and people were buying them. That is when I realized I could do this for a business. I built a woodworking shop with all the tools I need.

What is your favorite type of lure to make?
I really like to make a variety of types of lures. It needs to be a challenge for me. I do replicas of old school lures, supersize lures, and novelty lures.
For example, I've made Pikie in size 2 inch to 40 inches long. Once I make one; I don't usually want to make another one because it's no longer the same challenge. I replicated the Moonlight Bait Company lures and called it the "Full Moon Collection". Now I am working on supersizing Chippewa Baits. It's a difficulty level of 8 or 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. I like the challenge. I also have a small collection of vintage lures.

Do you sell your lures on a website or at shows?
I only sell my fish lures on eBay Auctions for 99 cents with no reserve. Collectors determine the price they are willing to pay for my lures. I don't do shows or sell on a website. My eBay User Name is custom.musky.lures

Sample of some Musky Dan Lures on Auction during the third week of April 2016

​Do you have any books, magazines, or newsletters that you use for reference that you can recommend to our readers that are thinking about making or collecting fish lures?

I use WorthPoint to look up past and current values on vintage lures and reproductions. You can use it to find out the value of just about anything you collect including decoys.
I also do a lot of research on the internet and use books about rare lures and fish lure collections. I am especially interested in the colors that were used in vintage lures and the design.

Are you also a Fisherman and do you have any particular fish you like to cook?

​One of my personal favorite places for fishing is Leesville Lake. I've been so busy carving lures recently that I have not had much time to fish. Lake Erie is nearby also.You can catch Walleye fish in Ohio and that is pretty good eating!

​After my conversation with Musky Dan, I did a little research about Leesville Lake. I learned that this lake made it in the Game and Fish Magazine list of Ohio's top 5 lakes for Spring Muskie fishing. A fishing trip might also make a cool gift for Dad's that like to fish.

I also found a Pinterest Board withWalleye Fish Recipes for those who like to cook fresh caught fish.

I realize there is a lot to learn about Fish Lures and Fishing as a sport. It turns out there are many different types of lures to attract different types of fish. I am going to be talking with some other Lure Makers over the next couple of weeks and we'll be focusing on Fish Lure Makers and Fish Lure Eyes in our June 2016 Newsletter. Check out the Customer Creations Fishing Lure Page for a few more Hand Crafted Lures that would make a unique Father's Day Gift.